G.C.

E Advanced Level

Political Science
Syllabus
Grades 12 and 13
(To be implemented from 2017)

Department of Social Sciences

National Institute of Education
Maharagama
Sri Lanka
www.nie.lk
 Content

Preface iii

Introduction iv

National Goals v

Basic Competencies vi - vii

Aims of teaching Political Science viii

Relationship between National Objectives and Subject Objectives ix -xi

Proposed Plan to Divide the Syllabus according to School Academic Terms xii

Syllabus 1 - 18
School Policies and Programmes 19

Assessment and Evaluation 20

Board of Syllabus Preparation 21

 Preface

This syllabus is designed for the Advanced Level curriculum of Sri Lanka and will be implemented in 2017 under the new educational reforms. The
syllabus is prepared after careful examination and consideration of the views and attitudes of teachers and students involved in the teaching-learning process of
Advanced Level Political Science.

The subject content of the curriculum is prepared based on competency levels deriving from 15 main competencies. Two Teachers’ Instructional Manuals
for Grades 12 and 13 with guidelines to achieve the expected learning outcomes of the syllabus will be introduced in the future. This will provide a broad
opportunity for the students to critically study political theory and its practical aspect.

We believe that this syllabus would contribute to achieve success at the Advanced Level Examination and to become good citizens with a holistic political
knowledge.

ii
 Introduction

The new curriculum for G.C.E. Advanced Level Political Science which will be effective from 2017 consists of 15 topics. Special attention was paid to prepare the
syllabus to enable students to grasp subject content effectively and to facilitate the task of teachers to teach new subject content.

The first and second topics of the curriculum include subject content which guides the students to understand Political Science, to interpret politics as an essential
feature of social life and to think critically about politics through the various themes that constitute Political Science. State and its role is explained based on
competency levels aimed at enabling the students to identify and express the most suitable features of state necessary to promote human freedom. Students get the
opportunity to study models of government based on the distribution of state power. Political ideologies are presented enabling students to acquire the skill of
analyzing the influence of such political ideologies on politics through political phenomena.

Conflict and conflict resolution, a broad multi-disciplinary subject at present, is a compulsory theme. According to the new curriculum, this topic is to be studied
in Grade 12 while in the previous curriculum,it was to be studied in Grade 13.

Sri Lankan constitutional history comprises the study of the trends and impact of colonial transformation in the economic and social spheres and the constitutional
development and trends under the constitutions of 1947 and 1972. By the first topic in Grade 13, the students are exposed to a current topic in Political Science
by training them to critically observe the theoretical basis and the practical aspect of democratic governance thereby enabling them to identify the democratic and
undemocratic features of governing systems.

The students are expected to engage in the comparative study of contemporary models of government. It includes the study of United States of America, India and
Switzerland as federal models, Britain and Sri Lanka as transforming unitary states and France as a unitary and centralized state. Focus shifts to the Sri Lankan
political practice again directing the students to a comprehensive study of the constitution of 1978 and the 13th, 17th, 18th and 19th amendments to the constitution.
Further, the students get the opportunity to critically study the political party system of Sri Lanka, the nature and trends of international politics and its implications
to Sri Lanka.

The aforementioned topics will guide the students to study Political Science with a new vision, achieve learning objectives successfully by identifying the practical
aspect of politics and thereby develop attitudes and skills required for their contribution as citizens as well as develop socio-psychological skills necessary to fulfill
social responsibility.

iii
 National Goals
(i) Nation building and the establishment of a Sri Lankan identity through the promotion of national cohesion, national integrity, national unity,
harmony, and peace, and recognizing cultural diversity in Sri Lanka’s plural society within a concept of respect for human dignity.
(ii) Recognizing and conserving the best elements of the nation’s heritage while responding to the challenges of a changing world.

(iii) Creating and supporting an environment imbued with the norms of social justice and a democratic way of life that promotes respect for human
rights, awareness of duties and obligations, and a deep and abiding concern for one another.
(iv) Promoting the mental and physical well- being of individuals and a sustainable life style based on respect for human values.
(v) Developing creativity, initiative, critical thinking, responsibility, accountability and other positive elements of a well- integrated and balanced
personality.
(vi) Human resource development by educating for productive work that enhances the quality of life of the individual and the nation and contributes to
the economic development of Sri Lanka.
(vii) Preparing individuals to adapt to and manage change, and to develop capacity to cope with complex and unforeseen situations in a rapidly
changing world.
(viii) Fostering attitudes and skills that will contribute to securing an honorable place in the international community, based on justice, equality and
mutual respect. (Adapted from National Education Commission Report -2003)

iv
 Basic Competencies

The following basic competencies developed through education will contribute to achieve the above national goals.
(i) Competencies in communication
Competencies in communication are based on four subsets: Literacy, Numeracy, Graphics and IT proficiency.
Literacy : Listen attentively, speak clearly, read for meaning, write accurately and lucidly and communicate ideas effectively.
Numeracy : Use numbers for goods/items, space and time, use of. numerals sysrtematically to count & measure.
Graphics : Make sense of line and form, express and record details, instructions and ideas with line, form and colour.
IT proficiency : Computer literacy and the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in learning, in the work environment
and in personal life.

(ii) Competencies relating to personality development

- Generic skills such as creativity, divergent thinking, initiative, decision making, problem solving, critical and analytical thinking, team work,
inter – personal relations, discovering and exploring ;
- Values such as integrity, tolerance and respect for human dignity;
- Emotional intelligence.

(iii) Competencies relating to the environment

These competencies relate to the social, biological and physical environment.
Social Environment - Awareness of the national heritage, sensitivity and skills linked to being members of a plural society, concern for
distributive justice, social relationships, personal conduct, general and legal conventions, rights, responsibilities,
duties and obligations.
Biological Environment - Awareness, sensitivity and skills linked to the living world, people and the ecosystem, the trees, forests, seas,
water, air and life – plant, animal and human life.

v
 Physical Environment - Awareness, sensitivity and skills linked to space, energy, fuels, matter, materials and their links with human life,
food, clothing, shelter, health, comfort, respiration, sleep, relaxation, rest, wastes and excretion.

Included here are skills in using tools and technologies for learning, working and living.

(iv) Competencies relating to preparation for the World of Work

Employment related skills to maximize their potential and to enhance their capacity.

- To contribute to economic development.

- To discover their vocational interests and aptitudes,
- To choose a job that suits their abilities, and
- To engage in a rewarding and sustainable occupation.

(v) Competencies relating to religion and ethics

Assimilating and internalizing values, so that individuals may function in a manner consistent with the ethical, moral and religious modes of conduct
in everyday life, selecting that which is most appropriate values.

(vi) Competencies in play and the use of leisure

Pleasure, joy, emotions and such human experiences as expressed through aesthetics, literature, play, sports and athletics, leisure pursuits and
other creative modes of living.

(vii) Competencies relating to ‘ learning to learn’

Empowering individuals to learn independently and to be sensitive and successful in responding and managing change through a transformative
process, in a rapidly changing, complex and interdependent world.
( Adopted from National Education Commission Report - 2003)

vi
 Aims of teaching Political Science

Successful completion of this syllabus will enable students to acquire following competencies and skills,

 Identify the thematic contents, subject matter and significance of Political Science as an academic discipline
 Identify and understand critically the political processes, political institutions and political change in their environment in the society at large and the
world.
 Becoming conscious of important, positive political values, objectives and fundamentals of the country and the world as citizens.
 Identify historical and contemporary trends in the discipline of Political Science.
 Acquiring knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to contribute towards positive social and political changes as citizens.

vii
 Relationship between National Objectives and Subject Objectives

National Objectives Subject Objectives Competency Level

1. Nation building and the establishment of Sri
Lankan identity through the promotion of national
cohesion, national integrity, national unity, harmony
and peace and recognizing cultural diversity in Sri
Lanka’s plural society within a concept of respect
for human dignity.
3. Becoming conscious of important, positive 1.1 Interpret politics as an essential feature of
political values, objectives and fundamentals of social life.
the country and the world as citizens. 1.2 Explain Political Science as an academic
discipline to study different aspects of
politics.
2.2 Examine their role in the political life in
society.

7.1 Describe how colonialism and colonial rule

2. Recognizing and conserving the best elements of the 4. Identify historical and contemporary trends in the
led to transformations in the political,
nation’s heritage while responding to the challenges discipline of Political Science.
economic and social spheres in Sri Lanka.
of a changing world.
7.2 Comment on the consequences of colonial
transformation which occurred in Sri Lanka.
8.1 Describe the background of the post-
independent constitution making process.

6.2 Explain the theoretical and practical aspect

3. Creating and supporting an environment imbued with 5. Acquiring knowledge, understanding and skills
of conflicts and conflict resolution.
the norms of social justice and a democratic way of necessary to contribute towards positive social
6.3 Comment critically on the importance of
life that promotes respect for human rights, awareness and political changes as citizens.
peace building and reconciliation.
of duties and obligations, and a deep and abiding
8.1. Describe the background of the post-
concern for one another. 3. Becoming conscious of important, positive
independent constitution making process.
political values, objectives and fundamentals of
9.1 Identify the theoretical foundation of
the country and the world as citizens.
democratic governance.
9.2 Observe analytically the practicality of
democratic governance.
viii
 National Objectives
4. Promoting the mental and physical well-being of
individuals and a sustainable life style based on
respect for human values.
5. Developing creativity, initiative, critical thinking,
responsibility, accountability and other positive
elements of a well-integrated and balanced
personality.
6. Human resource development by educating for
productive work that enhances the quality of life of
the individual and the nation and contributes to the
economic development of Sri Lanka.
Subject Objectives
5. Acquiring knowledge, understanding and skills
necessary to contribute towards positive social
and political changes as citizens.
5. Acquiring knowledge, understanding and skills
necessary to contribute towards positive social
and political changes as citizens.
3. Becoming conscious of important, positive
political values, objectives and fundamentals of
the country and the world as citizens.
ix
Competency Level
11.3 Explain the role of bureaucracy in the
process of policy implementation
13.1 Present information on the origin and
evolution of the political party system in
Sri Lanka.
13.4 Analyze the features and trends of the
political party system.
9.1 Identify the theoretical foundation of
democratic governance.
9.2 Observe analytically the practicality of
democratic governance.
12.2 Identify the background to constitutional
amendments which made structural
changes to the 1978 constitution.
12.3 Identify the changes made to the structure
of the constitution of 1978 by the13th, 17th,
18th and 19thamendments.
 National Objectives
7. Preparing individuals to adopt to and manage change, 2. Identify and understand critically political
and to develop capacity to cope with complex and
unforeseen situations in a rapidly changing world.
8. Fostering attitudes and skills that will contribute to
securing an honourable place in the international
community, based on justice, equality and mutual
respect.
Subject Objectives Competency Level
12.3 Identify the nature of changes made to the
processes, political institutions and political structure of the constitution of 1978.
change in their environment, society at large Identify separately the differences in national
and the world. and international politics.
15.3 Examine contemporary trends of the Sri
Lankan foreign policy.
15.4 Express opinion on the problems and
challenges faced by the current foreign policy
with understanding.
3. Becoming conscious of important, positive political 14.1 Identify separately the differences between
values, objectives and fundamentals of the country the national and international politics.
and the world as citizens.
14.2 Comment on governmental and non-
governmental actors in international politics.
14.4 Identify and explains the recent trends in
international politics.
14.5 Describe the new trends in national and
international politics identifying their
relevance to Sri Lanka.
x
 Proposed Plan to Divide the Syllabus according to School Academic Terms

Grade Term Competency Level Periods

I 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 100
12
II 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2 100

III 7.1, 7.2, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 100

I 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3 100

13 II 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 13.1, 13.2 100

III 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 14.5, 15.1, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4 100

xi
 Political Science Syllabus (Advanced Level) - 2017 - Grade - 12
NO. OF
COMPETENCY COMPETENCY LEVEL SUBJECT CONTENTS LEARNING OUTCOME PERIODS

1. Act as a citizen with an 1.1 Interpret politics as an 1.1 Introduction to Political Science  Define Politics and Political 05
understanding of the nature of essential feature of social Science
politics and political science life  What is Politics?

1.2 Explain Political Science as 1.2 Relationship between politics  Identify and explain the 10
an academic discipline to and Political Science. relationship and differences
study different aspects of between Politics and Political
politics. Science

1.3 Study politics employing 1.3 Studying Political Science

various approaches specific academically.
to the discipline.

1.4 Approaches to Political Science  Name and describe the 10

 Philosophical/Normative
approaches to study politics
Approach
as an academic discipline
 Comparative Approach
 Critically examines those
 Multi-disciplinary Approach
approaches.
 Scientific (Behavioural)
 Thinks of ways to make a
Approach positive contribution to the
 Politic-economic Approach political process of the social
 Sociological Approach life by studying politics
 Feminist Approach. academically.

1
 NO. OF
COMPETENCY COMPETENCY LEVEL SUBJECT CONTENTS LEARNING OUTCOME PERIODS

 Name and describe the

2. Prepare to study Political 2.1 Study the nature and subject 2. Political Science: Themes themes of Political Science. 10
Science by identifying the area of sub themes.
themes of the subject. 2.1 Political Philosophy

 Explain how each of these

2.2 Examine their role in the 2.2 Political Thought and themes make the subject 10
political life of society. Ideologies matter of Political Science
holistic.
2.3 Political Theory

2.4 Political Institutions

 State and Government
 Political Parties
 Pressure Group
 Civil Society
 Make use of that knowledge
2.5 Comparative Politics to think critically about the
political world.
2.6 Public Administration.

2.7 International relations and world

Politics.

2

COMPETENCY
3. Lays the foundation to a
theoretical and practical
understanding of the state in
which the student is a citizen.
COMPETENCY LEVEL SUBJECT CONTENTS
3.1 Explain the concept, 3. The State
State
3.1 State and its role
 State as the key
manifestation of political
power of society.
 Modern territorial state.
 Modern nation- state.
 Globalization and the state.
3.2 Examine the nature of 3.2 Models of states and
State based on classification
classification of states.  Tribal states
 Greek city state
 Monarchy
 Colonial state
 Liberal Democratic states
 Socialist state
 Fascist state
 Post- colonial state
 Neo- Liberal state
3
NO. OF
LEARNING OUTCOME PERIODS
 Define state and describe its
functions.
 Describe the features of 10
modern territorial and nation
state.
 Describe the impact of
globalization on states
 Classify and describe various 25
models of states
 Define the concepts, state,
sovereignty of the state and
citizen
 Describe the functions and
the institutional structure of
the state
 Distinguish the state,
government and regime.

COMPETENCY COMPETENCY LEVEL
3.3 Analyze different models of 3.3 Concepts in Political Science
modern state through the
concepts in political science
3.4 Analyze the state and its 3.4 Theoretical approaches to the
nature through concepts and
theories of Political
Science
NO. OF
SUBJECT CONTENTS LEARNING OUTCOME PERIODS
 Name and describe the 10
relating to the State. theoretical approaches to the
study of the State.
 State and sovereignty
 State and citizenship  Identifies the features of the
 Functions and the institutional state most suitable to
structure of the state promote human freedom.
 Relationships and differences
between the state,
government and regime.
10
nature of the state.
 Social Contract theory.
 Marxist theory
 Liberal theory.
 Feminist theory.
4

COMPETENCY
4. Express the ability to analyse 4.1
models of government through
different models of
government in the world.
4.2
COMPETENCY LEVEL
Describe models of 4.
governments based on the
distribution of state
power. 4.1 Models of government based
Describe the models of 4.2 Models of government based
government based on the
organization of executive
power.
NO. OF
SUBJECT CONTENTS LEARNING OUTCOME PERIODS
Different models of  Identify and define models of 15
government. government based on the
distribution of state power.
on distribution of state power.  Indicate the features, merits
 Unitary and demerits of the above
 Federal models of government.
 Quasi Federal  Identify and define models of
 Confederate government based on
organization of executive
power.
15
 Discuss comparatively the
on organization of executive effectiveness of each model
power of government.
 Cabinet form of
government.  Analyze the features of the
government system in Sri
 Presidential government Lanka at present using the
 Mixed government models learned in this lesson.
 Autocratic government
5
 NO. OF
COMPETENCY COMPETENCY LEVEL SUBJECT CONTENTS LEARNING OUTCOME PERIODS

5. Demonstrate the
understanding of various
political ideologies and their
role in shaping modern
political process and
institutions.
15
5.1 Identify different political 5. Political Ideologies  Define political ideologies.
ideologies.  Liberalism
 Socialism  Comparatively analyse
 Republicanism different political ideologies.
 Social Democracy
 Fascism
 Nationalism 15
5.2 Critically examine their basic  Secularism  Analyse the impact of
features and functions in the  Feminism political ideologies on politics
field of politics using political phenomena.

 Use this knowledge to think

of a better political future.

6. Demonstrate the importance

of conflict resolution and 20

6

COMPETENCY COMPETENCY LEVEL SUBJECT CONTENTS
peace building by 6.1 Explain the theoretical and 6. Conflicts and conflict resolution  Define and classifies
uderstanding the nature of practical aspects of conflicts
6.1 Basic definitions and
conflicts. and conflict resolution. classification of conflicts
6.2 Conflict resolution.
6.2 Comment critically on the 6.2.1 Early warning process.
importance of peace building 6.2.2 Conflict Prevention.
and reconciliation. 6.2.3 Conflict Management.
6.2.4 Conflict Transformation.  Intervene to prevent
6.2.5 Post conflict peace
building.
6.3 Conflict Resolution methods
3.1 Negotiation
3.2 Mediation
3.3 Peace agreements
3.4 Peace building
6.4 Peace Building
4.1 Definitions and
approaches
4.2 Reconciliation.
7
NO. OF
LEARNING OUTCOME PERIODS
conflicts.
 Define methods of conflict
resolution
 Explain the importance of 20
early warning to identify
conflict.
conflict.
 Act as a person capable of
managing conflicts.
 Explain the means of conflict
resolution.
 Examines conflict
transformation critically.
 Describe peace building
 Explain the importance of
conflict resolution and peace
building in the modern world.
 Try to positively transform the
conflicts experienced in one’s
own life.

COMPETENCY
7. Identify the transformation of
political, economic and 7.1
social spheres of Ceylon
under the colonial rule.
7.2
COMPETENCY LEVEL
Describes how colonialism
and colonial rule led to
transformations in the
political, economic and social 7.1 Economic and social
spheres in Sri Lanka.
Comment on the
consequences of colonial
transformation occurring in
Sri Lanka
NO. OF
SUBJECT CONTENTS LEARNING OUTCOME PERIODS
25
7. Colonial transformation and its  Describe the trends and
consequences. consequences of economic
and social transformation in
Sri Lanka under colonialial
changes transformation.
 Beginning and spread of
colonial capitalism.
 Colonial social
transformation and new class
stratification. 25
7.2 Political outcome;  Explain how the foundation
 Laying the foundation for a for a modern state was laid.
modern state
 Beginning of representative  Show the origin and evolution
democracy (with special of modern representative
reference to Donoughmore democracy.
constitution)
 The contribution of  Analyze special features of
representative democracy Donoughmore sconstitution.
towards positive political
progress.
8

COMPETENCY
8. Demonstrate understanding of
constitutional development in 8.1
Sri Lanka after independence.
8.2
8.3
COMPETENCY LEVEL
Describe the background
factors of the post
independent constitution
making process.
Explain features of each
constitution.
Indicate the main trends and
problems of these
constitutions.
SUBJECT CONTENTS
8. Westminster model and its
changes.
8.1 Constitutional development
and trends under the
constitutions of 1947- 1972
8.2 The composition and
sovereignty of the legislature.
8.3 Nature and powers of the
executive.
8.4 Minority rights.
8.5 Judiciary and the Public
Service.
8.6 Fundamental rights.
9
NO. OF
LEARNING OUTCOME PERIODS
10
 Examine the constitutional
development and trends
under the constitutions of
1947 and 1972.
 Explain comparatively the
sovereignty and composition
of the legislatures 1947 and
1972.
10
 Describe comparatively the
nature and powers of the
executive under the
constructions of 1947 and
1972
30
 Indicate the nature and
limitations of minority rights.
 Discuss independence of the
judiciary and its limitations.
 Examine the changes that
occurred in the Judiciary and
Public service.
 Find out the features that
make a better constitution.
 Political Science Syllabus (Advanced Level) - 2017 - Grade - 12
NO. OF
COMPETENCY COMPETENCY LEVEL SUBJECT CONTENTS LEARNING OUTCOME PERIODS

9. Demonstrate the
understanding of 9.1
democratic governance
9.2
12
Identify the theoretical 9 Democratic governance.  Identify and describes the
foundation of democratic features of democratic
governance 9.1 Conceptual foundation of governance analytically
democratic governance
 Liberal democracy  Describe critically the
 Representative democracy. democratic and undemocratic
features of the governing
system in Sri Lanka
28
Observe analytically the 9.2 Democratic governance and  Shows why democratic
practicality of democratic its characteristics. governance is suitable for Sri
governance.  Constitutionalism Lanka.
 Popular Sovereignty
 Separation of powers
 Checks and balances
 Rule of law
 Human rights
 Limited government
 Free and fair elections
 Public accountability.

10

COMPETENCY COMPETENCY LEVEL
10. Ac t as an individual with a
comparative understanding of 10.1 Discuss differences and
different government models specifications (identity) of
in the contemporary world unitary and federal models of
government in the
contemporary world
10.2 Study comparatively the
theoretical foundations and
practical aspects of
different models of
government.
NO. OF
SUBJECT CONTENTS LEARNING OUTCOME PERIODS
20
10. Contemporary models of  Identify and describe the
government. federal models of government
in contemporary world
10.1 Federal systems
 American model  Show the transformation of
 Indian model unitary states through the
 Switzerland model examples of Britain and Sri
Lanka
20
10.2 Transformation of unitary  Explain with examples the
states. unitary and centralized
 Britain models of government.
 Sri Lanka
 Obtain the skill necessary to
10.3 Unitary and centralized state propose the fundamentals of
structures a suitable government model
 France. for Sri Lanka.
11

COMPETENCY
11. Display the understanding
that public policy making is
a product of the political
process.
COMPETENCY LEVEL
11.1 Describe the process
which combines politics and
public policy.
11.2 Examine the role of political
parties and civil society in
relation to public policy
making.
11.3 Explain the role of
bureaucracy in the process
of policy implementation.
SUBJECT CONTENTS
11 Public policy and political
processes
11.1 Define public policy and identify  Explain the importance of
the importance of the study of
public policy.
11.2 Public policy and political
authority
11.3 Public policy and political
parties
11.4 Public policy and civil society
 Show the co- relationship
11.5 Public policy and bureaucracy
12
NO. OF
LEARNING OUTCOME PERIODS
10
 Define public policy
the study of public policy.
05
 Clarifies the relationship
between public policy and
political process.
05
 Explains the role of civil
society and political parties
with regard to public policy
between public policy and
bureaucracy

COMPETENCY COMPETENCY LEVEL
12. Identify and explain the 12.1 Study the structure,
structural features, institutional centralization of power and
composition and balance of institutional composition of
power in the system of the system of government
government established by established by 1978
1978 constitution. constitution.
12.2 Identifies the background to
constitutional amendments
which made structural
changes to the 1978
constitution.
NO. OF
SUBJECT CONTENTS LEARNING OUTCOME PERIODS
12. 1978 constitution  Clarify the nature and powers
of the executive of 50
12.1 Basic structural and institutional constitution of 1978.
features
 Executive  Explain the nature , powers
 Legislature functions of the legislature.
 Relationship between the
legislature and the executive.
 Theory and the practice of  Explain the relationship
the independence of between the executive and the
judiciary. legislature.
 The executive and Public
Service.
 Executive and centralization
of power.
 The Ombudsman and
fundamental rights.
 Electoral system
 Referendum
10
12.2 The background of 13th, 17th,  Examine the theory and
18th and 19th constitutional practice of independence of
amendments and their the judiciary.
implications on the
structure of the 1978  Comment on the relationship
constitution. between the executive and
Public Service and its impact
on the Public Service.
13
 NO. OF
COMPETENCY COMPETENCY LEVEL SUBJECT CONTENTS LEARNING OUTCOME PERIODS

 Explain how power has

been centralized around
the executive and its
consequences.

 Describe the constitutional

provisions relating to the
Ombudsman, Fundamental
Human Rights and the
judiciary.

 Describe comparatively the

different electoral systems and
public responses.
10
 Explains the changes
12.3 Recognizes the changes to introduced by constitutional
the structure of the amendments
constitution of 1978 caused
by the 13th, 17th, 18th and
19th amendments

14

COMPETENCY COMPETENCY LEVEL
13. Show the nature and 13.1 Present information on the
trends of the political origin and evolution of the
party system in Sri political party system in Sri
Lanka through their Lanka.
activities
13.2 Analyze the features and
trends of the political party
system
NO. OF
SUBJECT CONTENTS LEARNING OUTCOME PERIODS
13. Political party system in  Explains the orgin and 10
Sri Lanka evolution of political party
system in Sri Lanka.
13.1 Origin and trends of the Points out their features
party system in Sri Lanka and trends.
 Identify and comment on 20
• Dominent two party dominant two party system
system
• The Left and minor  Find information on Left and
parties minor parties
• Parties based on ethnic
identity  Identify and explain the
• Political parties and parties based on ethnicity.
coalitions
• Party system and political  Explore the way political
eadership party system paved the way
for the formation of coalition
governments.
 Show the nature of the
relationship between political
party system and party
leadership.
 Acquire the ability to identify
the strengths and flaws/
weaknesses of the political
paty system of Sri Lanka and
make proposals for a better
system.
15

COMPETENCY COMPETENCY LEVEL
14. Identify and comments on the 14.1 Identify the differences
nature and trends of between the national and
International Politics. international politics.
14.2 Comment on governmental
and non-governmental
actors in international
politics.
14.3 Explain the nature of
national power and national
interests
14.4 Identify and explain the
recent trends in
international politics.
NO. OF
SUBJECT CONTENTS LEARNING OUTCOME PERIODS
14. International politics • Identify and describe the 04
difference between national
14.1 Differences in national and international politics.
and international politics
14.2 Governmental and non- • Recognize important 25
govermental actors in institutions and activists in
international politics national and international
• Nation state politics.
• International Govern
mental Organisations
• International Non-
Governmental Organiza
tions
• Multi-national companies
•Eminent persons
•Terrorist organizations and
groups
14.3 National power and national • Define the concepts of 06
Interests. national power and national
intersts.
14.4 Main Trends in modern world • Explain the new trends in
current world politics.
10
politics
• Multi-polar world system
16
 NO. OF
COMPETENCY COMPETENCY LEVEL SUBJECT CONTENTS LEARNING OUTCOME PERIODS

14.5 Describe the new trends in
national, international politics
identyfying their relevance to
Sri Lanka.
• Alternative international • Explain the impact of new
relation networks political trends in the world
• New social movements on Sri Lanka. 10
• Insurgence movements
against the world system
(terrorism)

17

COMPETENCY COMPETENCY LEVEL
15. Comment on the nature and 15.1 Explain the factors which
consequences of the relations influenced the conduct of
Sri Lanka maintains with the foreign policy of post inde
external world pendent Sri Lanka.
15.2 Explain the features and
trends of post independent
foreign policy of Sri Lanka.
15.3 Examinie contemporary
trends of the Sri Lankan
foreign policy
15.4 Express opinions on the
problems and challenges faced
by the present foreign policy
SUBJECT CONTENTS
15. Sri Lanka & the world
15.1 Foreign policy of Sri Lanka.
15.2 Factors that influence the
foreign policy of Sri Lanka.
15.3 Speciaa features of post
independent foreign policy.
15.4 Current trends of the Sri
Lankan foreign policy.
 United Nations Organization
and Sri Lanka.
 Common wealth and Sri
Lanka
 Non - aligned movement
and Sri Lanka
 South Asian Cooperation and governmental organizations.
Sri Lanka.
 International Economic and
Financial organizations and • Examine the effect of new
Sri Lanka.
 International Non-
Governmental organizations.
15.5 Challenges and problems of
current Sri Lankan foreign
policy.
18
NO. OF
LEARNING OUTCOME PERIODS
• Identify the factors that
influence the foreign policy of 05
Sri Lanka.
• Examine the features amd
new trends of the Sri Lankan 10
foreign policy
• Identify Current trends of
Sri Lankan foreign policy .
30
• Explains the influences and
advanced gained by Sri Lanka
as a member of international
organizations.
• Describe the relations and
challenges between Sri Lanka
and international non
trends in international politics
on Sri Lankan
School Policies and Programmes
It is the responsibility of the school administrative authorities to formulate programmes including learner activities which enable the participation of all students
studying the subject ensuring that learning experiences are transferred successfully from the subject content given in the syllabus prepared in order to fulfill the
national objectives of education. Several such co-curricular activities are given below.
• Establishing a Political Science Society through which the students can engage in creative activities such as quiz programmes, debates, exhibitions, wall
newspapers, magazines etc.
• Organizing educational trips to various institutions studied in the subject to obtain an understanding of the role and functions of such institutions.
• Initiating mini research projects to promote the critical study of political opinions, political thought etc.
• Motivating students to exchange experiences with universities and other higher educational institutes in the area.
• Motivating students to improve their knowledge by the use of international magazines and the internet.

Teaching-Learning Methodology
The following teaching-learning strategies can be utilized for an effective teaching-learning process within the classroom for Political Science.
• Brainstorming sessions
• Compiling magazines
• Preparing booklets of questions and answers
• Organizing debates
• Preparing leaflets
• Using open book resources
• Holding discussions
• Role play (e.g. Governors, leaders of the Revival Movement)
• Practical activities (e.g. Planning an election)
• Presentations

19
Assessment and Evaluation
Under the School-Based Assessment Programme, the teachers are expected to create and implement creative teaching-learning assessment tools to evaluate
the competencies and the competency levels specified for each term.
This syllabus is prescribed for G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination which is the national level evaluation held at the completion of Grade 13.
The Department of Examinations in Sri Lanka will conduct the first national level examination based on this syllabus in the year 2019.
The Department of Examinations will provide information about the model and nature of the question paper of this examination.

20

Internal
Mrs. W.A. Kumudendri Sudarshani
Mr. S. Karunakaran
External
Professor. Jayadeva Uyangoda
Dr. Athula Withanwsam
Dr. Upul Aberathna
Mr. Terrance Purashinha
Mr. M. Ranjith
Dr. A. Bhashkaran
Mrs. Kalyani Chithra De Silva
Mrs. W.K.C. Priyanthi
Mr. M. Soundarajan
Board of Syllabus Preparation
Senior Lecturer Department of Social Sciences, National Institute of Education, Maharagama.
Lecturer Department of Social Sciences, National Institute of Education, Maharagama.
Senior Professor University of Colombo.
Senior Lecturer University of Peradeniya.
Senior Lecturer University of Ruhuna.
Senior Lecturer University of Sri Jayawardanapura.
Senior Lecturer University of Sabaragamuwa.
Senior Lecturer University of Peradeniya.
Teacher Service Sujatha Vidyalaya (Retired, Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa)
Teacher Service Vihara Maha Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Kiribathgoda.
Teacher Service Al Adhan Muslim College, Badulla.
21